Transmitting / receiving antenna module, system, method, and program

Abstract

To provide a transmitting / receiving antenna module with space saving, a system, a method, and a program.SOLUTION: A transmitting / receiving antenna module according to an embodiment includes a radar circuit arranged at a substrate, a transmitting antenna arranged at a first end portion of the substrate and connected to the radar circuit, and a receiving antenna arranged at a second end portion of the substrate and connected to the radar circuit. The transmitting antenna is capable of transmitting an electromagnetic wave parallel to the substrate. The receiving antenna is capable of receiving an electromagnetic wave parallel to the substrate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 19

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE The present invention relates to a transmitting / receiving antenna module, a system, a method, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Integrated circuits with radar functions have been commercialized, making radar devices available at low cost. It is expected that radar devices will be applied in a wide variety of fields, such as automobiles, non-destructive testing, medicine, and security.

[0003] Commercially available radar integrated circuits can only accommodate a small number of antennas, which limits the aperture length of the antenna array and makes it difficult to improve spatial resolution.

[0004] In order to increase the number of applications of radar devices, it is desirable to be able to easily adjust and expand the aperture length of the antenna array. One example of this is the installation of multiple antenna modules equipped with multiple integrated circuits and antenna arrays.

[0005] As the aperture length of the antenna array increases, the number of antennas increases, which requires more installation space and makes it difficult to install multiple antenna modules. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-000084 A [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Design Guide: TIDEP-01012 (Imaging Radar Reference Design Using Cascaded mmWave Sensors), Texas Instruments, March 2020 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a space-saving transmitting / receiving antenna module, a radar device, a method, and a program. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A transmitting / receiving antenna module according to an embodiment includes a transmitting antenna located at a first end, a receiving antenna located at a second end, and a radar circuit connected to the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a radar device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of an IC according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the radar device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a walk-through type inspection device that is an application example of the radar device according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] 3A and 3B are diagrams for explaining the radio wave transmission direction of the transmission module according to the first embodiment and the radio wave reception direction of the reception module according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view for explaining an example of a walk-through type inspection device, which is an application example of the radar device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an example of a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna according to a first embodiment, which is configured as a SIW aperture antenna. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view for explaining an example of a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9]FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of a transmitting antenna or a receiving antenna according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] 1 is a schematic perspective view illustrating an example of a receiving antenna or a transmitting antenna according to a first embodiment, which is configured as a dipole antenna with a reflector. [Figure 12] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view for explaining an example of a receiving antenna or a transmitting antenna according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] 7 is a block diagram for explaining an example of an electrical configuration of the radar device shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining another example of a walk-through type inspection device which is an application example of the radar device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining an example of an electrical configuration of another example of an inspection apparatus according to an embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining an example of a transmission and reception sequence of the inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining another example of the transmission and reception sequence of the inspection apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 2 is a diagram for explaining the possibility of interference in the radar device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 11 is a perspective view for explaining an example of a walk-through type inspection device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the electrical configuration of an inspection apparatus according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a transmission / reception module according to a second embodiment. [Figure 22] 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a connection between an IC and a transmitting antenna according to the second embodiment. [Figure 23] 13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a connection between an IC and a receiving antenna according to the second embodiment. [Figure 24]13 is a diagram for explaining an example of a transmission and reception direction of a transmission and reception module according to the second embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a transmission and reception sequence of the inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of a transmission and reception sequence of the inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining another example of the transmission and reception sequence of the inspection apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the inspection device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, the embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description is an example of an apparatus and method for embodying the technical idea of ​​the embodiment, and the technical idea of ​​the embodiment is not limited to the structure, shape, arrangement, material, etc. of the components described below. Modifications that a person skilled in the art can easily conceive are naturally included in the scope of the disclosure. In order to make the description clearer, the size, thickness, planar dimensions, or shape of each element may be changed from the actual embodiment and shown diagrammatically. Elements having different dimensional relationships or ratios may be included in multiple drawings. In multiple drawings, corresponding elements may be given the same reference numerals and duplicated descriptions may be omitted. Some elements may be given multiple names, but these examples of names are merely examples and do not deny the use of other names for these elements. In addition, it is not denied that elements not given multiple names may be given other names. In the following description, "connection" may include not only direct connection but also connection via other elements.

[0012] [First embodiment] FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an example of a radar device 110 according to the first embodiment. The radar device 110 is configured by a module equipped with an integrated circuit having a radar function. The module includes a transmitting antenna module (hereinafter referred to as a transmitting module) 10 that performs a transmitting function, a receiving antenna module (hereinafter referred to as a receiving module) 20 that performs a receiving function, and a signal generating module 30 that generates a reference signal and a clock signal. FIG. 1 shows an example in which there is only one number of transmitting modules 10 and receiving modules 20. The first embodiment also includes an example in which there are multiple transmitting modules 10 and multiple receiving modules 20. By connecting multiple transmitting modules 10 and multiple receiving modules 20 together and connecting them to a single signal generating module 30, it is possible to easily realize synchronous control of multiple integrated circuits and adjustment and expansion of the aperture length of the antenna array.

[0013] The radar device 110 also includes a processor 90. The processor 90 is connected to the transmitting module 10, the receiving module 20, and the signal generating module 30. The processor 90 includes a transmitting CPU 92, a ROM 96, and a RAM 98. The ROM 96 stores a program for controlling the radar device 110. The RAM 98 temporarily stores various data during operation. The CPU 92 executes the program to provide the function of a scheduler 94. The scheduler 94 generates a trigger signal for controlling the transmission timing.

[0014] The signal generating module 30 generates a signal for controlling transmission and reception of a radar signal according to a radar method. One example of the radar method is a Linear Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave (L-FMCW) method in which the frequency increases linearly with time. The signal generating module 30 includes an integrated circuit (hereinafter referred to as IC) 32 having a radar function of the L-FMCW method, and a distributor 34. Other examples of the radar method include an unmodulated CW method and a pulse method. The embodiment is not limited to the radar method, and can be applied to other radar methods.

[0015] The IC 32 generates a clock signal and an L-FMCW signal (hereinafter referred to as a chirp signal) as a reference signal. When there is no need to distinguish between the chirp signal and the clock signal, these signals are simply referred to as "signals".

[0016] The transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 operate according to a clock signal output by the signal generating module 30. Therefore, the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 operate in synchronization with each other.

[0017] The output signal of IC 32 is input to a distributor 34. The distributor 34 distributes the input signal to two output terminals. A first output signal of the distributor 34 is supplied to the transmitting module 10. A second output signal of the distributor 34 is supplied to the receiving module 20. A clock signal from the single signal generating module 30 is supplied to the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20, so that the transmitting operation and the receiving operation are synchronized.

[0018] The transmitting module 10 includes a plurality of ICs 12 having an L-FMCW radar transmission function, a plurality of transmitting antennas 16, and a plurality of distributors 18. The transmitting module 10 may include a substrate (not shown), on which the plurality of ICs 12, the plurality of transmitting antennas 16, and the plurality of distributors 18 are formed. The number of ICs 12 is, for example, four. The number of transmitting antennas 16 is, for example, sixteen. The number of distributors 18 is, for example, three. The distributor 18 distributes an input signal to two output terminals.

[0019] The signal from the distributor 34 is input to the distributor 18c. The distributor 18c distributes the input signal to two output terminals. The first output signal of the distributor 18c is input to the distributor 18a. The second output signal of the distributor 18c is input to the distributor 18b.

[0020] The distributor 18a distributes an input signal to two output terminals. A first output signal of the distributor 18a is input to IC12a. A second output signal of the distributor 18a is input to IC12b. IC12a is connected to four transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, 16c, and 16d. IC12b is connected to four transmitting antennas 16e, 16f, 16g, and 16h.

[0021] The distributor 18b distributes the input signal to two output terminals. A first output signal of the distributor 18b is input to IC12c. A second output signal of the distributor 18b is input to IC12c. IC12c is connected to four transmitting antennas 16i, 16j, 16k, and 16l. IC12d is connected to four transmitting antennas 16m, 16n, 16o, and 16p.

[0022] A clock signal from the signal generating module 30 is supplied to IC12a-IC12d. The transmission operations of IC12a-IC12d are synchronized based on the clock signal. IC12a transmits radio waves (hereinafter referred to as radar signals) corresponding to the chirp signal from transmitting antennas 16a-16d to the target. IC12b transmits radar signals corresponding to the chirp signal from transmitting antennas 16e-16h to the target. IC12c transmits radar signals corresponding to the chirp signal from transmitting antennas 16i-16l to the target. IC12d transmits radar signals corresponding to the chirp signal from transmitting antennas 16m-16p to the target.

[0023] The number of transmitting antennas connected to each of the ICs 12a-12 is not limited to four, but may be two, six or more, or an odd number. The number of transmitting antennas connected to each of the ICs 12a-12d is not limited to the same number, but may be different for each IC. The intervals between all adjacent antennas (e.g., 16a and 16b) among the transmitting antennas 16a-16p may be set to a constant interval or may be set to multiple intervals that are mutually prime. An example of the constant interval is one wavelength or a half wavelength.

[0024] The receiving module 20 includes a plurality of ICs 22 having an L-FMCW radar receiving function, a plurality of receiving antennas 26, and a plurality of distributors 28. The receiving module 20 may include a substrate (not shown), on which the ICs 22, the plurality of receiving antennas 26, and the plurality of distributors 28 are formed. The number of ICs 22 is, for example, four. The number of receiving antennas 26 is, for example, sixteen. The number of distributors 28 is, for example, three. The distributor 28 distributes an input signal to two output terminals.

[0025] The signal from the distributor 34 is input to the distributor 28c. The distributor 28c distributes the input signal to two output terminals. The first output signal of the distributor 28c is input to the distributor 28a. The second output signal of the distributor 28c is input to the distributor 28b.

[0026] The distributor 28a distributes an input signal to two output terminals. A first output signal of the distributor 28a is input to IC22a. A second output signal of the distributor 28a is input to IC22b. IC22a is connected to four receiving antennas 26a, 26b, 26c, and 26d. IC22b is connected to four receiving antennas 26e, 26f, 26g, and 26h.

[0027] The distributor 28b distributes the input signal to two output terminals. A first output signal of the distributor 28b is input to IC22c. A second output signal of the distributor 28b is input to IC22c. IC22c is connected to four receiving antennas 26i, 26j, 26k, and 26l. IC22d is connected to four receiving antennas 26m, 26n, 26o, and 26p.

[0028] A clock signal from the signal generating module 30 is provided to ICs 22a-22d. ICs 22a-22d perform synchronized receiving operations based on the clock signal. IC 22a processes signals received by receiving antennas 26a-26d in response to the chirp signal. IC 22b processes signals received by receiving antennas 26e-26h in response to the chirp signal. IC 22c processes signals received by receiving antennas 26i-26l in response to the chirp signal. IC 22d processes signals received by receiving antennas 26m-26p in response to the chirp signal.

[0029] The number of receiving antennas connected to each of the ICs 22a-22d is not limited to four, but may be two, six or more, or an odd number. The number of receiving antennas connected to each of the ICs 22a-22d is not limited to the same number, but may be different for each IC. The intervals between all adjacent antennas (e.g., 26a and 26b) among the receiving antennas 26a-26p may be set to a constant interval, or may be set to multiple intervals that are mutually prime. An example of the constant interval is one wavelength or a half wavelength.

[0030] The transmitting module 10, the receiving module 20, and the signal generating module 30 are connected to a processor 90. The processor 90 is a device at a higher level than the radar device 110. The processor 90 may perform beamforming processing of the transmitting beam and the receiving beam. The processor 90 performs initial setting and timing control of the transmitting module 10. The processor 90 may perform array signal processing of the received signal to detect the presence or absence of belongings, the direction of the belongings, the distance to the belongings, and the type of the belongings, and may display an image of the belongings. In this case, the CPU 92 has the function of an image generating module in addition to the function of the scheduler 94.

[0031] The spatial resolution required for direction estimation and image display of the radar device 110 using an antenna array consisting of multiple antennas is determined by the number of antennas. Only a limited number of antennas can be connected to one IC 12, 22 having a radar function, and the spatial resolution cannot be increased. In the embodiment, a transmitting antenna array consisting of 16 antennas 16a-16p is realized by cascading multiple ICs, for example, four ICs 12a-12d. A receiving antenna array consisting of 16 antennas 26a-26p is realized by cascading multiple ICs, for example, four ICs 22a-22d. This makes it possible to increase the spatial resolution of the radar device 110 by four times compared to the case where one IC 12 is used in the transmitting module 10 and one IC 22 is used in the receiving module 20.

[0032] Each of IC12a-12d, IC22a-22d, and IC32 may be a dedicated IC, but the same IC may also be used in common.

[0033] 2 is a block diagram for explaining an example of a single IC38 used in common as each of the ICs 12a-12d, ICs 22a-22d, and IC 32 according to the first embodiment. The IC38 includes a transmitting circuit 40, a receiving circuit 50, and a signal generating circuit 60.

[0034] The signal generating circuit 60 includes an oscillator 62 and a clock generator 64. The oscillator 62 generates a chirp signal. The output signal of the signal generating circuit 60 is outputted to the outside of the IC 38 via an output terminal 60a.

[0035] The transmitting circuit 40 includes transmitting amplifiers 42a, 42b, 42c, 42d, distributors 44a, 44b, 44c, and a control unit 46. A chirp signal and a clock signal are input to the input terminal 40a from outside the IC 38. A trigger signal is input to the control unit 46 from the processor 90. The processor 90 sequentially supplies the trigger signal to the control unit 45 of the transmitting circuit 40 that starts transmission.

[0036] The clock signal is input to the control unit 46. The control unit 46 controls the operation timing of each transmitting amplifier 42 based on the clock signal and the trigger signal. The chirp signal is input to the distributor 44c. The distributor 44c supplies the chirp signal to distributors 44a and 44b. The distributor 44a supplies the chirp signal from the distributor 44c to the transmitting amplifiers 42a and 42b. The distributor 44b supplies the chirp signal from the distributor 44c to the transmitting amplifiers 42c and 42d.

[0037] The transmitting amplifiers 42a-42d are respectively connected to the four transmitting antennas 16. This causes the four transmitting antennas 16 to radiate radar signals corresponding to the chirp signals.

[0038] An example of the radio wave as a radar signal used in the embodiment is a radio wave with a wavelength of 1 to 30 millimeters. Radio waves with a wavelength of 1 to 10 millimeters are also called millimeter waves, and radio waves with a wavelength of 10 to 100 millimeters are also called microwaves. Another example of the radio wave is a radio wave with a wavelength of 100 micrometers to 1 millimeter, called a terahertz wave.

[0039] The distributor 44a is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the transmitting amplifier 42a and the transmitting amplifier 42b. Therefore, the length of the signal line S11 between the distributor 44a and the transmitting amplifier 42a can be easily made equal to the length of the signal line S12 between the distributor 44a and the transmitting amplifier 42b. The distributor 44b is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the transmitting amplifier 42c and the transmitting amplifier 42d. Therefore, the length of the signal line S13 between the distributor 44b and the transmitting amplifier 42c can be easily made equal to the length of the signal line S14 between the distributor 44b and the transmitting amplifier 42d. The distributor 44c is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the distributor 44a and the distributor 44b. Therefore, the length of the signal line S15 between the distributor 44c and the distributor 44a can be easily made equal to the length of the signal line S16 between the distributor 44c and the distributor 44b.

[0040] In this way, by splitting the signal from the input terminal 40a into two signals by the splitter 44c and then splitting each of the two split signals into two signals, the signal lines between the input terminal 40a and the four transmitting amplifiers 42a-42d can be easily made equal in length. This makes it possible to suppress the variation in the transmission delay of the four chirp signals input to the four transmitting amplifiers 42a-42d, and to accurately control the directivity of the transmitting antenna array. If the signal from the input terminal 40a is split into four by one splitter, the signal lines must be routed in a detour in order to make the four signal lines equal in length, which makes it difficult to increase the integration density of the IC.

[0041] The receiving circuit 50 includes receiving amplifiers 52a, 52b, 52c, and 52d, mixers 54a, 54b, 54c, and 54d, A / D converters (ADCs) 56a, 56b, 56c, and 56d, distributors 58a, 58b, and 58c, and a control unit 59. A chirp signal and a clock signal from outside the IC 38 are input to the input terminal 50a.

[0042] The clock signal is input to the control unit 59. The control unit 59 controls the operation timing of the receiving circuit 50 based on the clock signal. This synchronizes the operations of the transmitting circuit 40 and the receiving circuit 50. The control unit 59 simultaneously operates the receiving amplifiers connected to all of the receiving antennas 26a-26p.

[0043] The chirp signal is input to a distributor 58c. The four receiving antennas 26 are connected to receiving amplifiers 52a-52d, respectively.

[0044] The outputs of the receiving amplifiers 52a-52d are supplied to the ADCs 56a-56d via the mixers 54a-54d, respectively.

[0045] The distributor 58c supplies the chirp signal and the clock signal from the input terminal 50a to distributors 58a and 58b. The distributor 58a supplies the chirp signal from the distributor 58c to the mixers 54a and 54b, and supplies the clock signal from the distributor 58c to the ADCs 56a and 56b. The distributor 58b supplies the chirp signal from the distributor 58c to the mixers 54c and 54d, and supplies the clock signal from the distributor 58c to the ADCs 56c and 56d.

[0046] The mixers 54a-54d use the chirp signal to convert the RF signals from the receiving amplifiers 52a-52d into IF band receiving signals, and the ADCs 56a-56d convert the IF band receiving signals into digital signals in synchronization with a clock signal.

[0047] The digital signals from the ADCs 56a-56d are supplied to a processor 90 via output terminals (not shown).

[0048] The distributor 58a is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the mixers 54a and 54b and from the ADCs 56a and 56b. Therefore, the length of the signal line S21 between the distributor 58a and the mixer 54a can be easily made equal to the length of the signal line S22 between the distributor 58a and the mixer 54b, and the length of the signal line S23 between the distributor 58a and the ADC 56a can be easily made equal to the length of the signal line S24 between the distributor 58a and the ADC 56b.

[0049] The distributor 58b is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the mixers 54c and 54d and from the ADCs 56c and 56d. Therefore, the length of the signal line S25 between the distributor 58b and the mixer 54c can be easily made equal to the length of the signal line S26 between the distributor 58b and the mixer 54d, and the length of the signal line S27 between the distributor 58b and the ADC 56c can be easily made equal to the length of the signal line S28 between the distributor 58b and the ADC 56d.

[0050] The distributor 58c is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the distributors 58a and 58b, so that the length of the signal line S29 between the distributors 58c and 58a can easily be made equal to the length of the signal line S30 between the distributors 58c and 58b.

[0051] In this way, by dividing the signal from the input terminal 50a into two signals by the distributor 58c and further dividing each of the two divided signals into two signals, the signal lines between the input terminal 50a and the four mixers 54a-54d can be easily made equal in length, and the signal lines between the input terminal 50a and the four ADCs 56a-56d can be easily made equal in length. This makes it possible to suppress the variation in the transmission delay of the four chirp signals input to each of the four mixers 54a-54d, and to convert the RF signal into an IF signal without causing a phase shift. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress the variation in the timing shift of the four clock signals input to each of the four ADCs 56a-56d, and to convert the IF signal into a digital signal with the correct timing. If the signal from the input terminal 50a is divided into four, in order to make the four signal lines equal in length, the signal lines must be routed in a detour, and the integration density of the integrated circuit cannot be increased.

[0052] Fig. 3 is a block diagram for explaining another example of the radar device 120 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 includes a modified example of the antenna module. Fig. 1 shows an example in which the number of antennas in the transmit / receive antenna array is 16. Fig. 3 shows an example in which the number of antennas in the transmit / receive antenna array is 64. The radar device 120 includes a transmitting unit 122, a receiving unit 124, a signal generating module 30, and a processor 90.

[0053] A signal generating module 30 is connected to the transmitting unit 122 and the receiving unit 124. A clock signal from the single signal generating module 30 is provided to the transmitting unit 122 and the receiving unit 124 so that the transmitting and receiving operations can be synchronized.

[0054] The transmitting unit 122 includes transmitting modules 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d and distributors 130a, 130b, and 130c. Each of the transmitting modules 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d is equivalent to the transmitting module 10 shown in FIG. 1. Each of the transmitting modules 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d includes 16 transmitting antennas 16. The transmitting unit 122 includes 64 transmitting antennas 16. The number of transmitting modules 10 included in the transmitting unit 122 is not limited to four, and may be any number as long as it is plural.

[0055] The distributor 130c supplies the signals (chirp signal and clock signal) from the signal generating module 30 to the distributors 130a and 130b. The distributor 130a supplies the signal from the distributor 130c to the transmitting modules 10a and 10b. The distributor 130b supplies the signal from the distributor 130c to the transmitting modules 10c and 10d.

[0056] The distributor 130c is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the distributors 130a and 130b. The distributor 130a is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the transmitting modules 10a and 10b. The distributor 130b is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the transmitting modules 10c and 10d. For this reason, the chirp signal from the signal generating module 30 is supplied to each of the transmitting modules 10a-10d via signal lines of approximately equal length. The operations of the transmitting modules 10a-10d are synchronized based on the clock signal from the signal generating module 30.

[0057] The receiving unit 124 includes receiving modules 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d and distributors 132a, 132b, and 132c. Each of the receiving modules 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d is equivalent to the receiving module 20 shown in FIG. 1. Each of the receiving modules 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d includes 16 receiving antennas. The receiving unit 124 includes 64 receiving antennas 26. The number of receiving modules 20 included in the receiving unit 124 is not limited to four, and may be any number as long as it is plural. The distributor 132c supplies signals (chirp signals and clock signals) from the signal generating module 30 to the distributor 132a and the distributor 132b. The distributor 132a supplies signals from the distributor 132c to the receiving module 20a and the receiving module 20b. The distributor 132b supplies the signal from the distributor 132c to the receiving module 20c and the receiving module 20d.

[0058] The distributor 132c is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the distributors 132a and 132b. The distributor 132a is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the receiving modules 20a and 20b. The distributor 132b is installed at a position approximately equidistant from the receiving modules 20c and 20d. For this reason, the chirp signal and the clock signal from the signal generating module 30 are supplied to each of the receiving modules 20a-20d via signal lines of approximately equal length. The operations of the receiving modules 20a-20d are synchronized based on the clock signal from the signal generating module 30.

[0059] The transmitting modules 10 a , 10 b , 10 c , and 10 d , the receiving modules 20 a , 20 b , 20 c , and 20 d , and the signal generating module 30 are connected to a processor 90 .

[0060] 3 operates 64 transmitting antennas 16 using 16 ICs 12, and operates 64 receiving antennas 26 using 16 ICs 22. Therefore, the radar device 120 can achieve four times the spatial resolution as compared with the radar device 110, which operates 16 transmitting antennas 16 using four ICs 12, and operates 16 receiving antennas 26 using four ICs 22.

[0061] One application example of the radar devices 110 and 120 according to the first embodiment is a security system that inspects belongings of an inspection target. Examples of places where this system is installed include near the entrance gate of an area where security is desired to be maintained, such as a station, an amusement park, a concert hall, or a building. This system inspects the inspection target when the inspection target passes through the entrance gate, and prevents the inspection target carrying a specific item from entering the area. It is not preferable to make the inspection target stop for the inspection. Therefore, a walk-through type inspection device that irradiates radio waves to the inspection target passing through the gate is preferable.

[0062] Fig. 4 is a diagram for explaining the principle of a walk-through type inspection device, which is an application example of the radar device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 shows an example of a walk-through type inspection device to which the radar device 120 shown in Fig. 3 is applied. The radar device 110 shown in Fig. 1 can also be applied to the walk-through type inspection device.

[0063] The inspection device inspects belongings of inspection subject 140 walking along passage 142. Passage 142 is also referred to as an inspection lane. A left housing 144 is installed on the left side of passage 142. A right housing 146 is installed on the right side of passage 142. In this specification, right and left are the right and left as seen from inspection subject 140 walking along passage 142. Left housing 144 and right housing 146 are formed of a material that does not absorb or reflect radio waves, such as resin.

[0064] The transmitting unit 122 shown in FIG. 3 is divided into two parts. Here, the transmitting modules 10a, 10b constitute the first part, and the transmitting modules 10c, 10d constitute the second part. The number of transmitting modules 10 does not have to be divided evenly. For example, the transmitting unit 122 may be divided into three transmitting modules and one transmitting module. The transmitting modules 10a, 10b of the first part are installed in the left housing 144. The transmitting modules 10c, 10d of the second part are installed in the right housing 146.

[0065] The receiving unit 124 shown in FIG. 3 is divided into two parts. Here, the receiving modules 20a and 20b constitute a first part, and the receiving modules 20c and 20d constitute a second part. The number of receiving modules 20 does not have to be divided evenly. For example, the receiving unit 124 may be divided into three receiving modules and one receiving module. The receiving modules 20a and 20b of the first part are installed in the left housing 144. The receiving modules 20c and 20d of the second part are installed in the right housing 146.

[0066] 4 does not specifically show the installation locations / orientations of the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 in the left housing 144 and the right housing 146. The installation locations / orientations of the transmitting module 10 and the receiving module 20 in the left housing 144 and the right housing 146 may be arbitrary, and can be determined according to specifications such as the spatial resolution and performance to be achieved.

[0067] 5 is a diagram for explaining the direction of radio waves transmitted by the transmitting module 10 (transmitting antenna 16) according to the first embodiment and the direction of radio waves received by the receiving module 20 (receiving antenna 26) according to the first embodiment. The direction of radio waves is represented by the direction of the main lobe in the radiation pattern of the antenna.

[0068] The direction of radio waves transmitted from the transmitting module 10 (transmitting antenna 16) in the left housing 144 is to the right, so that the target inspection area is the passage 142. The direction of radio waves received from the receiving module 20 (receiving antenna 26) in the left housing 144 is to the right, so that the target inspection area is the passage 142.

[0069] The direction of radio waves transmitted from the transmitting module 10 (transmitting antenna 16) in the right housing 146 is directed leftward so that the passage 142 is the target inspection area. The direction of radio waves received from the receiving module 20 (receiving antenna 26) in the right housing 146 is directed leftward so that the passage 142 is the target inspection area.

[0070] The rightward and leftward directions are not limited to a single angle, but are determined by an angle range. For example, if the circumference is 360 degrees and 0 degrees is the direction of travel of the object, then the rightward direction is +90 degrees and the leftward direction is +270 (-90) degrees. The rightward direction is within the angle range of +90 degrees ±90 degrees, and the leftward direction is within the angle range of +270 degrees ±90 degrees.

[0071] FIG. 6 is a perspective view for explaining an example of a walk-through type inspection device, which is an application example of the radar device 120 according to the first embodiment.

[0072] In the left housing 144, the boards of the transmitting modules 10a and 10b are installed parallel to the surface of the passage 142, i.e., horizontally. The boards of the receiving modules 20a and 20b are installed perpendicular to the surface of the passage 142, i.e., vertically. The transmitting modules 10a, 10b and the receiving modules 20a, 20b are installed so as to form an antenna module 262 having a rectangular prism shape.

[0073] In the transmitting modules 10a and 10b, 16 transmitting antennas 16 are arranged in a row at one end of the transmitting modules 10a and 10b (substrates). In the receiving modules 20a and 20b, 16 receiving antennas 26 are arranged in a row at one end of the receiving modules 20a and 20b (substrates).

[0074] The transmitting modules 10a, 10b in the left housing 144 are installed in an orientation such that the transmitting antenna 16 faces the passageway 142. The receiving modules 20a, 20b in the left housing 144 are installed in an orientation such that the receiving antenna 26 faces the passageway 142.

[0075] The above-mentioned arrangement of the transmitting modules 10a, 10b and the receiving modules 20a, 20b is one example, and they may be arranged in other arrangements, for example, in one or two linear rows, or simply in four rows. The transmitting antennas 16 and the receiving antennas 26 in the antenna module 262 may also be arranged in other arrangements, for example, in one or two linear rows, or simply in four rows. Furthermore, multiple antenna modules 262 may be installed in the housing.

[0076] Also located within the left housing 144 are distributors 130, 132.

[0077] In the right housing 146, the boards of the transmitting modules 10c and 10d are installed parallel to the surface of the passage 142, i.e., horizontally. The boards of the receiving modules 20c and 20d are installed perpendicular to the surface of the passage 142, i.e., vertically. The transmitting modules 10c and 10d and the receiving modules 20c and 20d are installed so as to form an antenna module 264 having a rectangular prism shape.

[0078] In the transmitting modules 10c and 10d, 16 transmitting antennas 16 are arranged in a row at one end of the transmitting modules 10c and 10d (substrates). In the receiving modules 20c and 20d, 16 receiving antennas 26 are arranged in a row at one end of the receiving modules 20c and 20d (substrates).

[0079] The transmitting modules 10c and 10d in the right housing 146 are installed in an orientation such that the transmitting antenna 16 faces the passageway 142. The receiving modules 20c and 20d in the right housing 146 are installed in an orientation such that the receiving antenna 26 faces the passageway 142.

[0080] The above-mentioned arrangement of the transmitting modules 10c, 10d and the receiving modules 20c, 20d is merely an example, and they may be arranged in other arrangements, for example, in one or two linear rows, or simply in four rows. The transmitting antennas 16 and the receiving antennas 26 in the antenna module 264 may also be arranged in other arrangements, for example, in one or two linear rows, or simply in four rows. Furthermore, multiple antenna modules 264 may be installed in the housing.

[0081] Also located within the right housing 146 are distributors 130, 132.

[0082] The signal generating module 30 is connected to the distributors 130c and 132c. A clock signal output from the signal generating module 30 is supplied to the transmitting unit 122 and the receiving unit 124. Therefore, the ICs 12 and 22 operate in synchronization with each other.

[0083] The transmitting antenna 16 can transmit radio waves parallel to the board. A radar signal transmitted from one of the transmitting antennas 16 in the transmitting modules 10a, 10b in the left housing 144 propagates toward the passage 142 and is reflected by the left area of ​​the inspection target 140 on the passage 142. The reflected wave of the radar signal (hereinafter referred to as the reflected signal) propagates toward the left housing 144. The receiving antenna 26 can receive radio waves parallel to the board. The reflected signal is received by all of the receiving antennas 26 of the receiving modules 20a, 20b in the left housing 144. The receiving modules 20a, 20b process the received signal and supply the processed received signal to the processor 90. The processor 90 inspects belongings in the left area of ​​the inspection target 140 based on the received signal. The processor 90 may generate an image of the inspection target 140 based on the received signal and inspect the belongings based on the image.

[0084] A radar signal transmitted from one of the transmitting antennas 16 in the transmitting modules 10c, 10d in the right housing 146 propagates toward the passage 142 and is reflected by a right area of ​​the inspection target 140 on the passage 142. The reflected signal propagates toward the right housing 146. The reflected signal is received by all of the receiving antennas 26 in the receiving modules 20c, 20d in the right housing 146. The receiving modules 20c, 20d process the received signal and provide the processed received signal to the processor 90. The processor 90 inspects belongings in the right area of ​​the inspection target 140 based on the received signal. The processor 90 may generate an image of the inspection target 140 based on the received signal and inspect the belongings based on the image.

[0085] 6 shows an example in which the antennas 16, 26 and the ICs 12, 22 (including the distributors 130, 132) are integrally formed on a module substrate. The antennas 16, 26 and the ICs 12, 22 (including the distributors 130, 132) may be formed on separate substrates.

[0086] Examples of the transmitting antenna 16 and the receiving antenna 26 according to the first embodiment include a patch antenna, a dipole antenna with a reflector, or a substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) aperture antenna. When one of the transmitting antenna array and the receiving antenna array is installed horizontally and the other of the transmitting antenna array and the receiving antenna array is installed vertically as shown in Fig. 6, one antenna array is either a dipole antenna with a reflector or a SIW aperture antenna, and the other antenna array is either the other of the SIW aperture antenna or a dipole antenna with a reflector.

[0087] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an example of the transmitting antenna 16 or the receiving antenna 26 according to the first embodiment, which is configured by a SIW aperture antenna. FIG. 8 is a schematic plan view for explaining an example of the transmitting antenna 16 or the receiving antenna 26 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the transmitting antenna 16 or the receiving antenna 26 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A1-A2 in FIG. 8. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining an example of the transmitting antenna 16 or the receiving antenna 26 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A3-A4 in FIG. 8.

[0088] The substrate 318 includes a plurality of antennas 315. The antennas 315 include a first structure 310W. The first structure 310W is a SIW. The antennas 315 are SIW aperture antennas.

[0089] The first structure 310W includes a first waveguide conductive layer 316f, a first other waveguide conductive layer 316g, a plurality of first waveguide electrode members 316a, and a plurality of second waveguide electrode members 316b. The direction from the first other waveguide conductive layer 316g to the first waveguide conductive layer 316f is along a third direction D3. As shown in FIG. 8, the direction from the plurality of first waveguide electrode members 316a to the plurality of second waveguide electrode members 316b is along a second direction D2.

[0090] The first waveguide conductive layer 316f and the first other waveguide conductive layer 316g are electrically connected by a plurality of first waveguide electrode members 316a and a plurality of second waveguide electrode members 316b. The first direction D1, the second direction D2, and the third direction D3 are perpendicular to each other. The third direction D3 may be referred to as the X-axis direction. In that case, the second direction D2 is referred to as the Y-axis direction, and the first direction D1 is referred to as the Z-axis direction.

[0091] The first structure 310W may further include a third waveguide electrode member 316c and a fourth waveguide electrode member 316d. The third waveguide electrode member 316c is electrically connected to the first waveguide conductive layer 316f and the first other waveguide conductive layer 316g. The fourth waveguide electrode member 316d is electrically connected to the first waveguide conductive layer 316f and the first other waveguide conductive layer 316g. The distance between the third waveguide electrode member 316c and the fourth waveguide electrode member 316d along the second direction D2 is shorter than the distance between the plurality of first waveguide electrode members 316a and the plurality of second waveguide electrode members 316b along the second direction D2. The first structure 310W may not include the third waveguide electrode member 316c and the fourth waveguide electrode member 316d.

[0092] A portion of the substrate 318 lies between the first waveguide conductive layer 316f and the first other waveguide conductive layer 316g, and between the first plurality of waveguide electrode members 316a and the second plurality of waveguide electrode members 316b.

[0093] The first structure 310W includes an opening 310o. The opening 310o is provided at an end of the first structure 310W in the first direction D1. The opening 310o functions as an opening antenna. Radio waves are emitted from the opening 310o.

[0094] The antenna 315 may include a director 315W. The director 315W includes a first conductive layer 315c, a first other conductive layer 315d, a first electrode member 315a, and a first other electrode member 315b. The direction from the first other conductive layer 315d to the first conductive layer 315c is along the third direction D3. The direction from the first other electrode member 315b to the first electrode member 315a is along the second direction D2. The first conductive layer 315c and the first other conductive layer 315d are electrically connected to each other by the first electrode member 315a and the first other electrode member 315b.

[0095] At least a portion of the substrate 318 is between the first conductive layer 315c and the first other conductive layer 315d, and between the first electrode member 315a and the first other electrode member 315b.

[0096] The position of the third waveguide electrode member 316c in the first direction D1 is between the position of the first conductive layer 315c in the first direction D1 and the position of the first waveguide electrode members 316a in the first direction D1. The position of the fourth waveguide electrode member 316d in the first direction D1 is between the position of the first conductive layer 315c in the first direction D1 and the position of the second waveguide electrode members 316b in the first direction D1. The first waveguide electrode members 316a and the second waveguide electrode members 316b forming the opening 310o may face one of the directors 315W. The third waveguide electrode member 316c and the fourth waveguide electrode members 316d forming the opening 310o may face one of the directors 315W.

[0097] The direction from the first waveguide conductive layer 316f to the first conductive layer 315c is along the first direction D1. The direction from the first other waveguide conductive layer 316g to the first other conductive layer 315d is along the first direction D1. The first other waveguide conductive layer 316g may be at a fixed potential (e.g., ground potential), for example.

[0098] The substrate 318 includes a first surface 318f and a first other surface 318g. The direction from the first other surface 318g to the first surface 318f is along the third direction D3. The first conductive layer 315c is provided on the first surface 318f. The first other conductive layer 315d is provided on the first other surface 318g. One of the multiple directors 315W extending in the substrate 318 along the third direction D3 can be coupled to one of the multiple first structures 310W.

[0099] Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view for explaining an example of the receiving antenna 26 or the transmitting antenna 16 according to the first embodiment, which is configured as a dipole antenna with a reflector. Fig. 12 is a schematic plan view for explaining an example of the receiving antenna 26 or the transmitting antenna 16 according to the first embodiment.

[0100] The substrate 328 includes a plurality of antennas 325. The antenna 325 includes a second conductive layer 325a. At least a portion of the second conductive layer 325a extends along the third direction D3. The antenna 325 may include a second other conductive layer 325b. At least a portion of the second other conductive layer 325b extends along the third direction D3. The direction from the second other conductive layer 325b to the second conductive layer 325a is along the third direction D3. The second conductive layer 325a and the second other conductive layer 325b configure a dipole antenna. The antenna 325 is a dipole antenna with a reflector.

[0101] The second conductive layer 325a and the second other conductive layer 325b are provided on a second surface 328f of the substrate 328.

[0102] The substrate 328 may include a second waveguide conductive layer 327a and a second other waveguide conductive layer 327b. The direction from the second other waveguide conductive layer 327b to the second waveguide conductive layer 327a is along the second direction D2. A part of the substrate 328 is between the second other waveguide conductive layer 327b and the second waveguide conductive layer 327a. The second waveguide conductive layer 327a can be coupled to the second conductive layer 325a (and the second other conductive layer 325b). The second other waveguide conductive layer 327b can be at a fixed potential (e.g., ground potential), for example. A plurality of second waveguide conductive layers 327a may be provided. One of the plurality of second waveguide conductive layers 327a can be coupled to the second conductive layer 325a (and the second other conductive layer 325b).

[0103] The substrate 328 may include a second other surface 328g. The direction from the second other surface 328g to the second surface 328f is along the second direction D2. The second waveguide conductive layer 327a may be provided on the second surface 328f. The second other waveguide conductive layer 327b may be provided on the second other surface 328g.

[0104] The configurations of the transmitting antenna 16 and the receiving antenna 26 shown in FIGS. 7 to 12 are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0105] Fig. 13 is a block diagram for explaining an example of the electrical configuration of the radar device 120 shown in Fig. 6. The radar device 120 includes a transmitting unit 122, a receiving unit 124, a signal generating module 30, and a processor 90. The transmitting unit 122 is divided into two transmitting sub-units 122a and 122b. The receiving unit 124 is divided into two receiving sub-units 124a and 124b.

[0106] The transmitting subunit 122a is installed in the left housing 144. The transmitting subunit 122a includes transmitting modules 10a and 10b and a distributor 130a. The transmitting subunit 122b is installed in the right housing 146. The transmitting subunit 122b includes transmitting modules 10c and 10d and a distributor 130b. The distributor 130c is not included in either the left housing 144 or the right housing 146, and is installed near the signal generating module 30. A first output terminal of the distributor 130c is connected to the transmitting subunit 122a (distributor 130a), and a second output terminal of the distributor 130c is connected to the transmitting subunit 122b (distributor 130b).

[0107] The receiving subunit 124a is installed in the left housing 144. The receiving subunit 124a includes the receiving modules 20a and 20b and a distributor 132a. The receiving subunit 124b is installed in the right housing 146. The receiving subunit 124b includes the receiving modules 20c and 20d and a distributor 132b. The distributor 132c is not included in either the left housing 144 or the right housing 146, and is installed near the signal generating module 30. A first output terminal of the distributor 132c is connected to the receiving subunit 124a (distributor 132a), and a second output terminal of the distributor 132c is connected to the receiving subunit 124b (distributor 132b).

[0108] The antenna module 262 installed in the left housing 144 includes a transmitting subunit 122a and a receiving subunit 124a. The antenna module 264 installed in the right housing 146 includes a transmitting subunit 122b and a receiving subunit 124b.

[0109] The radar devices 110 and 120 according to the first embodiment can inspect belongings of an inspection target 140 walking along a passageway 142. Since the inspection target 140 does not need to stop for inspection, the inspection throughput of the radar devices 110 and 120 is improved.

[0110] In order to further improve the inspection throughput, it is possible to prepare multiple radar devices and simultaneously inspect multiple inspection targets in multiple inspection lanes. In this case, the number of radar devices to be introduced increases according to the number of inspection lanes, which increases costs. In addition, the overall inspection lanes are expanded due to the size of the radar device housing and the margin area between radar devices (between inspection lanes) for the purpose of installation and maintenance. Furthermore, since adjacent radar devices operate asynchronously, interference may occur between the radar devices at unexpected times, which may affect the inspection results. Interference can be avoided by introducing materials that absorb radio waves or control radio wave reflection between the radar devices, but the introduction of such materials leads to increased costs and increased margin space.

[0111] FIG. 14 is a perspective view for explaining an example of a walk-through type inspection device 210, which is an application example of the radar device according to the first embodiment. The inspection device 210 includes a plurality of radar devices 120 (FIG. 6) arranged along a plurality of paths. The inspection device 210 may include a plurality of radar devices 100 (FIG. 1) arranged along a plurality of paths instead of the radar devices 120. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 14 shows a two-lane inspection device 210, but an inspection device 210 with three or more lanes is similarly configured. A first path 1421 and a second path 1422 are defined. The second path 1422 is located to the right of the first path 1421.

[0112] A first left housing 1441 is installed on the left side of the first passage 1421. A first right housing 1461 is installed on the right side of the first passage 1421. A second left housing 1442 is installed on the left side of the second passage 1422. A second right housing 1462 is installed on the right side of the second passage 1422. There is no need to leave a gap between the first right housing 1461 and the second left housing 1442, and they may be close to each other. In other words, the first right housing 1461 and the second left housing 1442 may be a single housing.

[0113] The configurations of the first left housing 1441 and the second left housing 1442 are the same as the left housing 144 shown in Fig. 6. The configurations of the first right housing 1461 and the second right housing 1462 are the same as the right housing 146 shown in Fig. 6.

[0114] The signal generating module 30 is connected to a first left housing 1441 , a first right housing 1461 , a second left housing 1442 and a second right housing 1462 .

[0115] 15 is a block diagram for explaining an example of an electrical configuration of an inspection device 210 according to the first embodiment. The inspection device 210 includes a transmitting unit 122, a receiving unit 124, a signal generating module 30, and a processor 90.

[0116] The transmitting unit 122 includes four transmitting subunits 122a1, 122b1, 122a2, and 122b2. The configurations of the transmitting subunits 122a1 and 122a2 are the same as the transmitting subunit 122a in the left housing 144 shown in Fig. 13. The configurations of the transmitting subunits 122b1 and 122b2 are the same as the transmitting subunit 122b in the right housing 146 shown in Fig. 13. The transmitting unit 122 also includes distributors 130c1 and 130c2.

[0117] The receiving unit 124 includes four receiving subunits 124a1, 124b1, 124a2, and 124b2. The configurations of the receiving subunits 124a1 and 124a2 are the same as the receiving subunit 124a in the left housing 144 shown in Fig. 13. The configurations of the receiving subunits 124b1 and 124b2 are the same as the receiving subunit 124b in the right housing 146 shown in Fig. 13. The receiving unit 124 also includes distributors 132c1 and 132c2.

[0118] A first output signal of the signal generating module 30 is supplied to the distributor 212. A second output signal of the signal generating module 30 is supplied to the distributor 214. The two output signals of the distributor 212 are supplied to the distributors 130c1 and 130c2, respectively. The two output signals of the distributor 214 are supplied to the distributors 132c1 and 132c2, respectively. The distributors 130C1 and 130C2 are not installed inside any of the first left housing 1441, the first right housing 1461, the second left housing 1442, or the second right housing 1462, but are installed near the distributor 212. The distributors 132C1 and 132C2 are not installed inside any of the first left housing 1441, the first right housing 1461, the second left housing 1442, or the second right housing 1462, but are installed near the distributor 214.

[0119] The transmitting subunit 122a1 and the receiving subunit 124a1 are installed in a left housing 1441 of the first passage 1421. The transmitting subunit 122b1t and the receiving subunit 124b1 are installed in a right housing 1461 of the first passage 1421. The transmitting subunit 122a2 and the receiving subunit 124a2 are installed in a left housing 1442 of the second passage 1422. The transmitting subunit 122b2 and the receiving subunit 124b2 are installed in a right housing 1462 of the second passage 1422.

[0120] The antenna module 2621 installed in the first left housing 1441 includes a transmitting subunit 122a1 and a receiving subunit 124a1. The antenna module 2641 installed in the first right housing 1461 includes a transmitting subunit 122b1 and a receiving subunit 124b1. The antenna module 2622 installed in the second left housing 1442 includes a transmitting subunit 122a2 and a receiving subunit 124a2. The antenna module 2642 installed in the second right housing 1462 includes a transmitting subunit 122b2 and a receiving subunit 124b2.

[0121] In the antenna modules 2641, 2642, 2643, and 2644, all of the transmitting modules 10 and receiving modules 20 are controlled by the chirp signal and clock signal supplied from the signal generating module 30 and the trigger signal supplied from the processor 90. Therefore, the signal generating module 30 is shared by multiple inspection lanes, which reduces costs, and synchronization between the inspection lanes can be achieved, which reduces the effects of unexpected interference.

[0122] The processor 90 selectively supplies trigger signals to the transmission module 10 to drive the transmission antennas 16 in separate domains in order to avoid mutual interference caused by the transmission of radar signals at the same time from multiple transmission antennas 16. Examples of domains are time, frequency, and code.

[0123] Fig. 16 is a diagram for explaining an example of a transmission and reception sequence of the inspection device 210 according to the first embodiment. Fig. 16 shows an example of time-division transmission of a radar signal. The processor 90 sequentially drives the antenna module 2621 installed in the first left housing 1441 and the antenna module 2641 installed in the first right housing 1461 to inspect the first passage 1421, and then supplies a trigger signal to the transmission module to sequentially drive the antenna module 2622 installed in the second left housing 1442 and the antenna module 2642 installed in the second right housing 1462 to inspect the second passage 1422.

[0124] Specifically, in order to inspect the first passage 1421, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting module 10a in the antenna module 2621 installed in the first left housing 1441. The transmitting module 10a causes the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to transmit radar signals sequentially toward the first passage 1421. Next, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting module 10b in the antenna module 2621. The transmitting module 10b causes the transmitting antennas 16a, ... to transmit radar signals sequentially toward the first passage 1421. Next, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting module 10c in the antenna module 2641 installed in the first right housing 1461. The transmitting module 10c causes the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to transmit radar signals sequentially toward the first passage 1421. Next, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting module 10d in the antenna module 2641. The transmitting module 10d causes the transmitting antennas 16a, . . . to transmit radar signals sequentially toward the first passage 1421.

[0125] When the transmitting antenna 16 in the antenna module 2621 transmits a radar signal, the processor 90 causes all the receiving antennas 26a-26p of all the receiving modules 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in the antenna module 2621 to receive the reflected signal from the first path 1421. This completes the inspection of the first path 1421.

[0126] Thereafter, in order to inspect the second passage 1422, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting module 10a in the antenna module 2622 installed in the second left housing 1442. The transmitting module 10a causes the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to transmit radar signals sequentially toward the second passage 1422. Next, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting module 10b in the antenna module 2622. The transmitting module 10b causes the transmitting antennas 16a, ... to transmit radar signals sequentially toward the second passage 1422. Next, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting module 10c in the antenna module 2642 installed in the second right housing 1462. The transmitting module 10c causes the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to transmit radar signals sequentially toward the second passage 1422. Next, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting module 10d in the antenna module 2642. The transmitting module 10d causes the transmitting antennas 16a, . . . to transmit radar signals sequentially toward the second path 1422.

[0127] When the transmitting antenna 16 in the antenna module 2622 transmits a radar signal, the processor 90 causes all the receiving antennas 26a-26p of all the receiving modules 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d in the antenna module 2622 to receive the reflected signal from the second path 1422. This completes the inspection of the second path 1422.

[0128] In this type of time division driving, increasing the number of inspection lanes (passages) imposes restrictions on the time available for inspection for each lane, resulting in poor inspection efficiency. The same is true for frequency division driving and code division driving.

[0129] In order to avoid this, it is possible to carry out inspections in multiple lanes simultaneously. FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining another example of the transmission and reception sequence of the inspection device 210 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 17 shows an example of simultaneous transmission of radar signals in multiple lanes. The processor 90 simultaneously drives the antenna module 2621 installed in the first left housing 1441 and the antenna module 2622 installed in the second left housing 1442, and then simultaneously drives the antenna module 2641 installed in the first right housing 1461 and the antenna module 2642 installed in the second right housing 1462.

[0130] In this specification, "simultaneous" does not necessarily mean strictly simultaneous, but also includes a difference of several seconds between the start timing of driving antenna module 2641 in first right housing 1461 and antenna module 2642 in second right housing 1462.

[0131] Specifically, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting modules 10a, 10b in the antenna module 2621 installed in the first left housing 1441 and the transmitting modules 10c, 10d in the antenna module 2641 installed in the first right housing 1461 for the inspection of the first passage 1421, and at the same time supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting modules 10a, 10b in the antenna module 2622 installed in the second left housing 1442 and the transmitting modules 10c, 10d in the antenna module 2642 installed in the second right housing 1462 for the inspection of the second passage 1422. As a result, the transmitting modules 10a, 10b in the antenna module 2621 cause the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to sequentially transmit radar signals toward the first passage 1421, and the transmitting modules 10c, 10d in the antenna module 2641 cause the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to sequentially transmit radar signals toward the first passage 1421.

[0132] The processor 90 causes all of the receiving antennas 26 in the antenna modules 2621, 2622 to receive the reflected signal when the transmitting antenna 16 in the antenna modules 2621, 2622 transmits a radar signal.

[0133] By simultaneously transmitting radar signals to multiple lanes in this manner, even if a common signal generating module 30 is used to inspect multiple lanes, a decrease in inspection efficiency can be avoided.

[0134] Note that, when multiple radar devices are arranged side by side, there is a possibility that radar signals of two adjacent radar devices may interfere with each other. FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining an example of the possibility of interference of the radar device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 18 explains a condition in which a radar signal transmitted from a transmitting antenna x2 of a transmitting module x1 of a first path 1421 interferes with a reflected wave (reflected signal) of a radar signal transmitted from a transmitting antenna y2 of a transmitting module y1 of a second path 1422. When the shortest path length U (2W+2L+D in FIG. 18) of a radar signal transmitted from the transmitting antenna x2 of a transmitting module x1 of a first path 1421 directly propagates to a specific receiving antenna of a second path 1422 is equal to the sum of a distance R1 from the transmitting antenna y2 of a transmitting module y1 of a second path 1422 to the inspection target 140 and a distance R2 from the inspection target 140 to a specific receiving antenna, interference occurs. That is, as shown in Equation 1, interference occurs when the difference between 2W+2L+D and (R1+R2) is smaller than the range resolution ΔR of the radar device.

[0135] (2W+2L+D)-(R1+R2) ≦ ΔR Equation 1 W is the aisle width, L is the housing width, and D is the distance (margin) between the first right housing 1461 and the second left housing 1442.

[0136] R1 and R2 are variable depending on the position of the inspection target 140 on the passage 1422. The maximum value of the sum of R1 and R2 can be designed in advance based on the viewing angles of the transmitting antenna and the receiving antenna. If the radar device is installed so that the maximum value of the sum of R1 and R2 is smaller than 2W+2L+D, it is possible to ignore received data at unnecessary distances from the range data, so that interference between passages can be avoided even when the transmitting and receiving sequence shown in Fig. 17 is used.

[0137] To avoid interference, the passage width W, the housing width L, and / or the margin D are set to satisfy the condition of Equation 2.

[0138] (2W+2L+D)-(R1+R2) ≧ α Formula 2 α is a value greater than ΔR.

[0139] According to the first embodiment, the cost of the radar device can be reduced by using a common signal generating module 30 for radar devices in multiple inspection lanes (passages). In addition, by appropriately setting the width of the inspection lane, the width of the housing, and the margin between lanes, it is possible to operate without reducing the inspection efficiency without using complex transmission timing scheduling for the transmission antenna for each inspection lane.

[0140] [Second embodiment] Fig. 19 is a perspective view for explaining an example of a walk-through type inspection device 230 according to the second embodiment. The inspection device 230 includes a plurality of radar devices arranged along a plurality of passages. For convenience of explanation, Fig. 19 shows a two-lane inspection device 230, but an inspection device with three or more lanes is similarly configured.

[0141] A first left housing 1441 is installed on the left side of the first passage 1421. A housing 240 is installed between the first passage 1421 and the second passage 1422. A second right housing 1462 is installed on the right side of the second passage 1422.

[0142] The configuration of the first left housing 1441 is the same as that of the left housing 144 of the first embodiment. The configuration of the second right housing 1462 is the same as that of the right housing 146 of the first embodiment. The housing 240 combines the functions of the first right housing 1461 and the second left housing 1442 of the first embodiment. The first right housing 1461 and the second left housing 1442 each include antenna modules 262, 264 including a transmitting module and a receiving module, while the housing 240 includes an antenna module 266 including a transmitting / receiving module.

[0143] Within the housing 240, the boards of the transceiver modules 250d and 250b are installed parallel to the surfaces of the passages 1421 and 1422, i.e., horizontally. The boards of the transceiver modules 250a and 250c are installed perpendicular to the surfaces of the passages 1421 and 1422, i.e., vertically. The transceiver modules 250a, 250b, 250c, and 250d are installed to form an antenna module 266 in the shape of a rectangular prism.

[0144] In the transceiver modules 250a and 250c, a transmitting antenna array consisting of 32 transmitting antennas 16 is installed in a row at one end of the transceiver modules 250a and 250c (substrate), and a receiving antenna array consisting of 32 receiving antennas 26 is installed in a row at the other end of the transceiver modules 250a and 250c (substrate). In the transceiver modules 250b and 250d, a receiving antenna array consisting of 32 receiving antennas 26 is installed in a row at one end of the transceiver modules 250b and 250d (substrate), and a transmitting antenna array consisting of 32 transmitting antennas 16 is installed in a row at the other end of the transceiver modules 250b and 250d (substrate).

[0145] The transceiver modules 250a and 250c are installed in an orientation such that the transmitting antenna 16 faces the passage 1421 and the receiving antenna 26 faces the passage 1422. The transceiver modules 250b and 250d are installed in an orientation such that the transmitting antenna 16 faces the passage 1422 and the receiving antenna 26 faces the passage 1421.

[0146] The above-mentioned arrangement of the transmission / reception modules 250a, 250b, 250c, and 250d is merely an example, and they may be arranged in other arrangements, for example, in one or two linear rows, or simply in four rows. The transmission antennas 16 and the reception antennas 26 in the antenna modules 262, 264, and 266 may also be arranged in other arrangements, for example, in one or two linear rows, or simply in four rows. Furthermore, a plurality of antenna modules 262, 264, and 266 may be installed in the housings 1441, 1462, and 240.

[0147] The signal generating module 30 is connected to the first left housing 1441 , the housing 240 and the second right housing 1462 .

[0148] 20 is a block diagram for explaining an example of an electrical configuration of an inspection device 230 according to the second embodiment. The inspection device 230 includes a transmission unit 122, a reception unit 124, a transmission / reception unit 260, a signal generating module 30, and a processor 90.

[0149] The configuration of the transmitting unit 122 is the same as that of the transmitting unit 122 shown in Fig. 13. The configuration of the receiving unit 124 is the same as that of the receiving unit 124 shown in Fig. 13.

[0150] The transceiver unit 260 includes transceiver modules 250a, 250b, 250c, and 250d, and distributors 272a, 272b, and 272c.

[0151] A first output signal of the signal generating module 30 is provided to the transmitting unit 122 (distributor 130c). A second output signal of the signal generating module 30 is provided to the receiving unit 124 (distributor 132c). A third output signal of the signal generating module 30 is provided to the transceiver unit 260 (distributor 272c).

[0152] The first output signal of the distributor 272c is supplied to the distributor 272a. The first output signal of the distributor 272a is supplied to the transceiver module 250a. The second output signal of the distributor 272a is supplied to the transceiver module 250b. The second output signal of the distributor 272c is supplied to the distributor 272b. The first output signal of the distributor 272b is supplied to the transceiver module 250c. The second output signal of the distributor 272b is supplied to the transceiver module 250d.

[0153] The inspection device 230 includes three antenna modules 262, 264, and 266. The antenna module 262 inspects the first passage 1421. The antenna module 264 inspects the second passage 1422. The antenna module 266 includes transceiver modules 250a, 250b, 250c, and 250d. The antenna module 266 inspects the first passage 1421 and the second passage 1422, and is installed in the housing 240.

[0154] Since a clock signal from the same signal generating module 30 is supplied to the antenna module 262 for inspection of the first path 1421, the antenna module 264 for inspection of the second path 1422, and the antenna module 266 for inspection of the first path 1421 and the second path 1422, the transmission of radar signals for inspection of each path is synchronized and the reception of reflected signals is synchronized.

[0155] Fig. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a transceiver module 250 according to the second embodiment. Fig. 21 illustrates a transceiver module 250a. The other transceiver modules 250b, 250c, and 250d have the same configuration.

[0156] The transceiver module 250a includes eight transmitting ICs 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 12e, 12f, 12g, and 12h and eight receiving ICs 22a, 22b, 22c, 22d, 22e, 22f, 22g, and 22h. A first output signal of the distributor 272a is supplied to a distributor 268. A first output signal of the distributor 268 is supplied to a distributor 18g, and a second output signal is supplied to a distributor 28g.

[0157] The first output signal of the distributor 18g is supplied to the distributor 18c, and the second output signal is supplied to the distributor 18f. The first output signal of the distributor 18c is supplied to the distributor 18a, and the second output signal is supplied to the distributor 18b. The first output signal of the distributor 18f is supplied to the distributor 18d, and the second output signal is supplied to the distributor 18e. The first output signal of the distributor 18a is supplied to IC12a, and the second output signal is supplied to IC12b. The first output signal of the distributor 18b is supplied to IC12c, and the second output signal is supplied to IC12d. The first output signal of the distributor 18d is supplied to IC12e, and the second output signal is supplied to IC12f. The first output signal of the distributor 18e is supplied to IC12g, and the second output signal is supplied to IC12h.

[0158] The first output signal of the distributor 28g is supplied to the distributor 28c, and the second output signal is supplied to the distributor 28f. The first output signal of the distributor 28c is supplied to the distributor 28a, and the second output signal is supplied to the distributor 28b. The first output signal of the distributor 28f is supplied to the distributor 28d, and the second output signal is supplied to the distributor 28e. The first output signal of the distributor 28a is supplied to the IC22a, and the second output signal is supplied to the IC22b. The first output signal of the distributor 28b is supplied to the IC22c, and the second output signal is supplied to the IC22d. The first output signal of the distributor 28d is supplied to the IC22e, and the second output signal is supplied to the IC22f. The first output signal of the distributor 28e is supplied to the IC22g, and the second output signal is supplied to the IC22h. The transmitting IC 12 and the receiving IC 22 are all provided with a clock signal from the signal generating module 30 .

[0159] In the inspection device 230, all of the transmitting modules 10, the receiving modules 20, and the transmitting / receiving modules 250 are controlled by a clock signal output by the signal generating module 30. Therefore, the signal generating module 30 is shared among multiple inspection lanes, thereby reducing costs.

[0160] 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of connections between the ICs 12 and the transmitting antennas 16 according to the second embodiment. Each of the ICs 12a-12h is connected to four transmitting antennas 16.

[0161] 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of connections between the ICs 22 and the receiving antennas 26 according to the second embodiment. Each of the ICs 22a-22h is connected to four transmitting antennas 16.

[0162] In this manner, one transceiver module 250 has 32 transmitting antennas 16 and 32 receiving antennas 26 .

[0163] FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of the transmission and reception direction of the transmission and reception module 250 according to the second embodiment. The transmission antenna 16 and the reception antenna 26 are installed at opposing ends of the substrate of the transmission and reception module 250. The transmission antenna 16 transmits a radar signal with a viewing angle Ft centered on the direction Dt of the main lobe of the radiation pattern. The reception antenna 26 receives a reflected signal with a viewing angle Fr centered on the direction Dr of the main lobe of the radiation pattern. The transmission antenna 16 and the reception antenna 26 are installed such that an example of the angle formed by the direction Dt of the main lobe of the transmission antenna 16 and the direction Dr of the main lobe of the reception antenna 26 is 90 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less. The angle formed may be 170 degrees or more and 180 degrees or less. When the direction Dt and the direction Dr have such a relationship, the viewing angle Ft and the viewing angle Fr do not overlap. Therefore, the reflected signal of the radar signal transmitted from the transmission antenna 16 of each transmission and reception module 250 cannot be received by the reception antenna 26 of the transmission and reception module 250.

[0164] FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining a part of a radar signal transmission / reception sequence of the inspection device 230 according to the second embodiment.

[0165] When inspecting the first passage 1421, a radar signal transmitted by the transmitting module 10a or 10b installed in the first left housing 1441 is reflected by the inspection target 1401. The reflected signal can be received by the receiving modules 20a, 20b installed in the first left housing 1441. When the inspection target 1401 is not present, the direct wave of the radar signal transmitted by the transmitting module 10a or 10b installed in the first left housing 1441 can be received by the transmitting and receiving modules 250b, 250d installed in the housing 240.

[0166] When inspecting the first passage 1421, a radar signal transmitted by the transmitting and receiving module 250a or 250c installed in the housing 240 is reflected by the inspection target 1401. The reflected signal can be received by the other transmitting and receiving modules 250b, 250d installed in the housing 240. The radar signal transmitted by the transmitting and receiving module 250a or 250c cannot be received by the transmitting and receiving module 250a or 250c itself. When the inspection target 1401 is not present, the direct wave of the radar signal transmitted by the transmitting and receiving module 250b or 250d installed in the housing 240 can be received by the receiving modules 20a, 20b installed in the first left housing 1441.

[0167] When inspecting the second passage 1422, a radar signal transmitted by the transmitting and receiving module 250b or 250d installed in the housing 240 is reflected by the inspection target 1402. The reflected signal can be received by the transmitting and receiving module 250a, 250c installed in the housing 240. The radar signal transmitted by the transmitting and receiving module 250b or 250d cannot be received by the transmitting and receiving module 250b or 250d itself. When the inspection target 1402 is not present, the radar signal transmitted by the transmitting and receiving module 250b or 250d installed in the housing 240 can be received by the receiving modules 20c, 20d installed in the second right housing 1462.

[0168] When inspecting the second passage 1422, a radar signal transmitted by the transmitting module 10c or 10d installed in the second right housing 1462 is reflected by the inspection target 1402. The reflected signal is received by the receiving modules 20c, 20d installed in the second right housing 1462. When the inspection target 1402 is not present, the radar signal transmitted by the transmitting module 10c or 10d installed in the second right housing 1462 is received by the transmitting and receiving modules 250a, 250c installed in the housing 240.

[0169] In the inspection device 230 according to the second embodiment, transmission and reception of the first left housing 1441 and the second right housing 1462, which are equipped with separate transmitting modules 10 and receiving modules 20, are different from transmission and reception of the housing 240 equipped with the transmitting and receiving module 250. The receiving module 20 installed in the first left housing 1441 or the second right housing 1462 can receive a reflected signal of a radar signal transmitted from the transmitting module 10 installed in the same housing. However, the transmitting and receiving module 205 installed in the housing 240 cannot receive a reflected signal of a radar signal transmitted from the transmitting and receiving module.

[0170] 26 is a diagram for explaining an example of a transmission and reception sequence of the inspection device 230 according to the second embodiment. The processor 90 simultaneously drives the antenna module 262 installed in the first left housing 1441 and the antenna module 264 installed in the second right housing 1462, and then drives the antenna module 266 installed in the housing 240.

[0171] Specifically, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting modules 10a, 10b in the antenna module 262 installed in the first left housing 1441, and simultaneously supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting modules 10c, 10d in the antenna module 264 installed in the second right housing 1462. As a result, the transmitting modules 10a, 10b in the antenna module 262 cause the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to sequentially transmit radar signals toward the first passage 1421, and simultaneously the transmitting modules 10c, 10d in the antenna module 264 cause the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to sequentially transmit radar signals toward the second passage 1422.

[0172] Next, the processor 90 supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting / receiving modules 250a, 250c in the antenna module 266 installed in the housing 240, and simultaneously supplies a trigger signal to the transmitting / receiving modules 250b, 250d in the antenna module 266. As a result, the transmitting / receiving modules 250a, 250c in the antenna module 266 cause the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to sequentially transmit radar signals toward the first passage 1421, and simultaneously the transmitting / receiving modules 250bc, 250d in the antenna module 266 cause the transmitting antennas 16a, 16b, ... to sequentially transmit radar signals toward the second passage 1422.

[0173] The processor 90 causes all of the receiving antennas 26 in the antenna modules 262, 264, 266 to receive the reflected signal when a transmitting antenna 16 in the antenna modules 262, 264, 266 transmits a radar signal.

[0174] By transmitting radar signals simultaneously to multiple lanes in this way, it is possible to avoid a decrease in inspection efficiency even if a common signal generating module 30 is used to inspect multiple lanes. As mentioned above, "simultaneously" also includes the case where the transmission start timing of two adjacent lanes is shifted by several seconds.

[0175] 27 is a diagram for explaining another example of the transmission and reception sequence of the inspection device 230 according to the second embodiment. The processor 90 simultaneously drives the antenna module 262 installed in the first left housing 1441 and the antenna module 266 installed in the housing 240, and then simultaneously drives the antenna module 264 installed in the second right housing 1462 and the antenna module 266 installed in the housing 240.

[0176] Specifically, the processor 90 causes the transmitting antenna 16a, ... of the transmitting module 10a in the antenna module 262 installed in the first left housing 1441 and the transmitting antenna 16a, ... of the transmitting module 10b in the antenna module 262 to sequentially transmit radar signals toward the first passage 1421, and at the same time causes the transmitting antenna 16a, ... of the transmitting module 250b in the antenna module 266 installed in the housing 240 and the transmitting antenna 16a, ... of the transmitting module 250d in the antenna module 266 to sequentially transmit radar signals toward the second passage 1422.

[0177] Next, the processor 90 sequentially transmits radar signals toward the first passage 1421 from the transmitting antennas 16a, ... of the transmitting module 250a in the antenna module 266 installed in the housing 240 and the transmitting antennas 16a, ... of the transmitting module 250c in the antenna module 266, while simultaneously causing the transmitting antennas 16a, ... of the transmitting module 10c in the antenna module 264 installed in the second right housing 1462 and the transmitting antennas 16a, ... of the transmitting module 10d in the antenna module 264 to transmit radar signals toward the second passage 1422.

[0178] When the transmitting modules 10a-10d and the transceiver modules 250a-250d transmit radar signals, the processor 90 causes all the receiving antennas 26a-26p of all the receiving modules 20a-20d and all the receiving antennas 26a-26p of all the transceiver modules 250a-250d to receive reflected signals from the first path 1421 and the second path 1422. This completes the inspection of the first path 1421 and the second path 1422.

[0179] The processor 90 inspects the first path 1421 and the second path 1422 based on the transmission signal (chirp signal) used to transmit radio waves to the first path 1421 and the second path 1422 by the transmission antennas 16 of the transmission / reception modules 250a and 250c, and the reception signal obtained by receiving radio waves from the first path 1421 and the second path 1422 by the reception antennas 26 of the transmission / reception modules 250b and 250d. Specifically, the processor 90 can obtain information such as the distance, direction, position, shape, and type of a predetermined object by comparing the transmission signal and the reception signal. The radar device can be inspected by using opposing transmission antennas and reception antennas and comparing the transmission signal of the transmission antenna and the reception signal of the reception antenna. In the embodiment, the chirp signal from the signal generating module 30 is transmitted from all the transmission antennas 16, so that the inspection can be performed by comparing the transmission signal of the transmission antenna of the transmission / reception module 250 with the reception signal of the reception antenna of the transmission / reception module 250.

[0180] 27, by transmitting radar signals simultaneously to multiple lanes, a decrease in inspection efficiency can be avoided even if a common signal generating module 30 is used to inspect multiple lanes. As mentioned above, "simultaneous" also includes a delay of several seconds between the start of transmission for two adjacent lanes.

[0181] Fig. 28 is a diagram for explaining a modified example of the inspection device 230 (Fig. 19) according to the second embodiment. In Fig. 19, the configurations of the antenna modules of the first left housing 1441 and the second right housing 1462 are the same. In the first left housing 1441 and the second right housing 1462 in Fig. 19, the transmitting module 10 is installed horizontally, and the receiving module 20 is installed vertically. In the housing 240, the transmitting and receiving modules 250b and 250d are installed so that the receiving antenna 26 is arranged opposite the transmitting antenna 16 of the transmitting modules 10a and 10b of the first left housing 1441.

[0182] The configuration of the housing 240 and the second right housing 1462 in the modified example of FIG. 28 is the same as that in FIG. 19. In the first left housing 1441, the transmitting modules 10a and 10b are installed vertically, and the receiving modules 20a and 20b are installed horizontally. Therefore, in the housing 240, the transmitting and receiving modules 250a and 250c are installed so that the transmitting antenna 16 is arranged to face the transmitting antenna 16 of the transmitting modules 10a and 10b in the first left housing 1441. The transmitting and receiving modules 250d and 250b are installed so that the receiving antenna 26 is arranged to face the receiving antenna 26 of the receiving modules 20a and 20b in the first left housing 1441. Even in such a modified example, the same action as in the second embodiment can be obtained.

[0183] In the housing 240 of the modification of FIG. 28, the transceiver modules 250b and 250d may be installed so that the receiving antenna 26 faces the transmitting antenna 16 of the transmitting modules 10a and 10b of the first left housing 1441.

[0184] In the second right housing 1462 of the modified example of FIG. 28, the transmitting modules 10c and 10d may be installed vertically, and the receiving modules 20c and 20d may be installed horizontally.

[0185] The arrangement of the transmitting modules 10 and the receiving modules 20 in each of the above-mentioned housings 1441, 1462 is not limited to a prismatic arrangement but may be any arrangement. For example, they may be arranged in one or two linear rows, or simply arranged in four rows. The number of modules is also not limited to four but may be any multiple. The arrangement of the transmitting and receiving modules 250 in the housing 240 is not limited to a prismatic arrangement but may be any arrangement. For example, they may be arranged in one or two linear rows, or simply arranged in four rows. The number of modules is also not limited to four but may be any multiple.

[0186] The radar device according to the second embodiment has a module configuration equipped with an IC 38 having a radar function. The module is composed of a module 10 performing a transmission function, a module 20 performing a reception function, a module 30 having a signal generation function for a chirp signal and a clock signal, and a module 250 performing a transmission and reception function. The signal generation module 30 is used in common for a plurality of inspection lanes, for example, a first passage 1421 and a second passage 1422. The module 10 performing the transmission function is installed in each of the first passage 1421 and the second passage 1422. The module 20 performing the reception function is installed in each of the first passage 1421 and the second passage 1422. The module 250 performing the transmission and reception function is installed in common for the first passage 1421 and the second passage 1422. When the module 250 transmits a radar signal to the first passage 1421, it receives a radar signal for the second passage 1422, but does not receive a radar signal for the first passage 1421. When the module 250 transmits a radar signal to the second passage 1422, the module 250 receives a radar signal for the first passage 1421, but does not receive a radar signal for the second passage 1422. In the second embodiment, instead of separately installing the module 10 performing the transmitting function and the module 20 performing the receiving function in the first passage 1421 and the second passage 1422, the module 30 is installed, thereby reducing the number of modules, and a low-cost, space-saving inspection device capable of inspecting multiple lanes is provided.

[0187] One application example of the inspection device is a security system. Security systems are installed in facilities where an unspecified number of people gather, such as airports, train stations, shopping malls, concert halls, and exhibition halls. The security system detects whether or not an inspection subject (such as a person) is carrying a specific object, such as a dangerous object that the person is not permitted to possess. Since the inspection subject moves around and may not stay in the inspection area for a long time, it is desirable to detect the inspection subject's belongings accurately in a short time.

[0188] According to the inspection device of this embodiment, an inspection object located in or passing through the first area and the second area can be inspected in a short time.

[0189] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the components can be modified and embodied in the implementation stage without departing from the gist of the invention. In addition, various inventions can be formed by appropriately combining the multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the embodiment. Furthermore, components from different embodiments may be appropriately combined. [Explanation of symbols]

[0190] 10: transmitting module, 12: IC, 16: transmitting antenna, 20: receiving module, 22: IC, 26: receiving antenna, 30: signal generating module, 250: transmitting / receiving module

Claims

1. A radar circuit provided on the substrate; a transmitting antenna provided at a first end of the substrate and connected to the radar circuit; a receiving antenna provided at a second end of the substrate and connected to the radar circuit; The transmitting antenna is capable of transmitting radio waves parallel to the substrate, and the receiving antenna is capable of receiving radio waves parallel to the substrate.

2. The transmit / receive antenna module according to claim 1 , wherein the radar circuit is provided between the first end and the second end.

3. 2. The transmitting and receiving antenna module according to claim 1, wherein an angle between a direction of a main lobe of the transmitting antenna and a direction of a main lobe of the receiving antenna is equal to or larger than 90 degrees.

4. The transmit / receive antenna module according to claim 3 , wherein the angle is equal to or greater than 170 degrees and equal to or less than 180 degrees.

5. the transmitting antenna comprises a transmitting antenna array including a plurality of antennas; The transmit / receive antenna module of claim 1 , wherein the receive antenna comprises a receive antenna array including a plurality of antennas.

6. The radar circuit includes a plurality of transmitting circuits, a plurality of receiving circuits, and a single clock generating circuit; At least a portion of the antennas of the transmitting antenna array are connected to the transmitting circuits, respectively; At least a portion of the antennas of the receiving antenna array are connected to the receiving circuits, respectively; The transmit / receive antenna module according to claim 5 , wherein the plurality of transmit circuits and the plurality of receive circuits are connected to the clock generating circuit.

7. A transmitting / receiving antenna module according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a first antenna module including at least a transmitting antenna; a second antenna module including at least a receiving antenna; a signal generating module connected to the transmitting and receiving antenna module, the first antenna module, and the second antenna module; 1. A system for inspecting a first object in a first area and a second object in a second area, comprising: the transmitting antenna of the first antenna module is capable of transmitting radio waves to a first region between the transmitting / receiving antenna module and the first antenna module, and the receiving antenna of the transmitting / receiving antenna module is capable of receiving radio waves from the first region; The system, wherein the transmitting antenna of the transmitting / receiving antenna module is capable of transmitting radio waves to a second area between the transmitting / receiving antenna module and the second antenna module, and the receiving antenna of the second antenna module is capable of receiving radio waves from the second area.

8. the transmitting / receiving antenna module transmits radio waves to the first area during a first period; the transmitting / receiving antenna module receives radio waves from the second area during a second period; The system of claim 7 , wherein the second time period overlaps with at least a portion of the first time period.

9. A processing unit connected to the radar circuit, The system described in claim 7, wherein the processing unit inspects the first area based on a transmission signal used to transmit radio waves by the transmitting antenna of the transmitting / receiving antenna module and a received signal obtained by receiving radio waves by the receiving antenna of the transmitting / receiving antenna module.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the inspection comprises obtaining information regarding the presence or absence of an inspection target and the presence or absence of a predetermined object in the first area.

11. A radar circuit provided on the substrate; a transmitting antenna provided at a first end of the substrate and connected to the radar circuit; a receiving antenna provided at a second end of the substrate and connected to the radar circuit; A method in a transmit / receive antenna module, comprising: The transmitting antenna is capable of transmitting radio waves parallel to the substrate, The method, wherein the receiving antenna is capable of receiving radio waves parallel to the substrate.

12. A radar circuit provided on the substrate; a transmitting antenna provided at a first end of the substrate and connected to the radar circuit; a receiving antenna provided at a second end of the substrate and connected to the radar circuit, causing a computer to transmit radio waves parallel to the substrate from the transmitting antenna; A program that causes a computer to receive radio waves parallel to the substrate through the receiving antenna.

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